Since the sexual assault allegations made against Kevin Spacey on Monday, Netflix has been scrambling for a way to handle their original series starring the actor. House of Cards season six was in the midst of production when the news broke and has since been suspended with the streaming company announcing that they will be ending the series after this season.

On Monday, actor Anthony Rapp, emboldened by the Weinstein effect, reported that Kevin Spacey had sexually assaulted him at a party in the 80s when he was 14 and the older actor was 26. In his response, Spacey came out as gay and said that he does not remember the event but owes Rapp ‘the sincerest apology for what would have been deeply inappropriate and drunken behaviour.’ Since then, another actor has also come forward against Spacey and alleged there were many more young men with similar experiences.

There should be consequences for people who abuse their power to sexually harass and assault. In a lot of these instances, there won’t be legal ramifications, so social and economic consequences are the only way to punish people who behave in this way. Yes, Kevin Spacey should lose his contract with Netflix and his International Emmy. Cancelling House of Cards, however, also punishes the people around him. Fans were not happy when they heard that Netflix’s approach to the matter would be ending the series. Especially when it means Robin Wright’s tenure as President Claire Underwood would be over before it even began.

At the end of season five, Claire is inaugurated as president and turns to the audience in a fourth wall break to say ‘My turn.’ Fans were rightfully excited to see Robin Wright take the highest seat in the land and why should they (and Wright) lose out because Kevin Spacey is a sexual predator?

It wasn’t long before rumours started going around that there might be a spin-off in the cards instead. A Claire-driven spin-off, perhaps? Currently, the most fleshed-out idea would reportedly centre around the character of Doug Stamper, played by Michael Kelly. Veteran HoC head writer Eric Roth has been suggested to write the new series. There are apparently two other ideas being workshopped, although no details about them have yet been revealed.

Netflix has said that they are reassessing the whole situation and will make an announcement at a later time.

Production on the final season of House of Cards is suspended until further notice.